This week, VA Butler Healthcare is honoring the dedicated men and women we in the Department of Veterans Affairs consider to be the compassionate backbone of the veterans health care system — nurses. The theme of National Nurses Week 2013, which continues through May 12, is “Nurses: Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care.” No one puts more passion into the health care profession than VA nurses. The VA is the nation’s largest single employer of nurses, and VA nurses lead their profession in education, training and clinical responsibility. But their passion comes from the VA’s mission, caring for veterans. VA nurses are integral and equal members of our health care team of professionals. No health care professional is closer to the veterans we care for than a VA nurse. Veterans and families rely on them for their compassion, and the VA relies on them for setting the highest clinical care standards. That reliance is well placed. VA’s recognition as a leader in health care and patient safety is due in large part to nurses. I am deeply proud to be associated with the nurses who serve veterans at VA Butler Healthcare.